Is England's rise too late?

Well. England has blasted from the gates of this years 6 Nations, walking into the cauldron that is the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and walking out with the points. Whilst Wales had not enjoyed a lot of luck through the winter tests, they had kept the games close. And with England being the ones to roll in, there was no way the game would be anything other than a titanic battle. 

And so, it proved to be. Kind of. England walked out from the Millennium Stadium the winners, 26 - 19.  Except that the scoreline in many ways did not really show the true story. England where just that little bit better than Wales all over the park. And also had the on-fire Chris Ashton. A convert from Rugby League, he has taken to the 15 man game, and really exploded. During the game with Wales, he ran in 2 tries. Complete with his celebratory swallow dive.

However, England is not just about Ashton. He is ably assisted by the likes of Flood, Cueto, Tindall, and Corbisiero. Players who began to gel through the 2010 winter tests. The winter tests where quite a blooding for this new crop of players. South Africa ground a result over England, and New Zealand hammered England. However, England took Australia apart in the 2010 Winter tests. The games against South Africa and New Zealand are where England showed some flashes of what was possible. Unfortunately, against New Zealand, the occasional moments where England where really second-best saw New Zealand take them apart.

However, green shoots where emerging, and Johnsons time in charge was beginning to show some signs of turning into something good for the future.

Roll on to the 2011 6 Nations championship. England had been given a fantastic schedule, with 3 home matches back to back to back in the middle of their competition. The first game against Wales, then at home to Italy, France, and Scotland, before rounding off their campaign against Ireland in Dublin. 

The first game, as I said, saw England walk out of Wales with all the points. The next game against Italy saw them put on a display where everything just clicked. Italy is one of those teams where the top flight teams should win, but only if they bring their "A" game. Indeed, Ireland struggled, and just barely scraped a win in their opening game.

England had spent all week saying it would be tough, and in the end, it wasnt. England played for fun, and Ashton garnered 4 tries. A record-equaling haul. Something that had not been achieved since the 1910's! Granted, Italy did not play like they could, which gives Englands critics ammo to shoot down Englands chances. But the fact is, it just worked from England. They moved the ball, stole lineouts, and stomped on Italy from a great height.

What does this say about the future for England? 

Well, things bode well. Will they win the World Cup? Unlikely. They will have to go through the irresistible New Zealand, and the rough and ready South Africans. However, Englands star is rising. They have a crop of young players who are showing the potential to go on to great things. Could they win? Yes. After all, it is the World Cup. It is all about one game at a time. After all, in 2007 England got to the World Cup final despite being deeply unfancied, and still trying to find its feet following the teams stagnation post-2003 World Cup win.

Could England win? It is possible. We will have a much better idea after England take on the French. A team that can beat anyone on its day.

Big men rocking!

Sumo. A sport wrapped in legend, and history. An ancient Japanese sport that can trace its roots back for over 500 years. A sport that has seen long periods of stability, and not a lot of change since then! The ring is the same, the hairstyles are the same, the rules have not really changed much, training regimes remain locked in the past with wrestlers being tied to a stable, and locked into a rigid system of ranks.

However, this is a sport that exists in one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, and where we now see problems. Sumo, as a very rigidly controlled "closed shop," has been able to keep is dirty laundry well and truly hidden. However, with the internet, mobile phones, and tablet PC's, this veil is slowly being lifted, and the muck is slowly oozing out.

Recently, there was a big scandal over Sumo wrestlers placing bets on Baseball. This may not seem like such a big deal, but in Japan, betting is illegal, and Sumo wrestlers are expected to maintain the very highest ethical standards. And to make it worse, these bets where being placed with the Yakuza. This scandal spelled the end for the popular Ozeki, Kotomitsuki.

During the Polices further investigations, further e-mails in mobile phones where recovered. These e-mails pointed to match-fixing. Whilst this has not come as a surprise to the Japanese (about 70% believe it goes on), it has made public something that can now no longer be denied. Rumours have circulated about match-fixing for years. For example, a fighter with a 7-7 record looking to secure his ranking, could have a fight with a wrestler who had secured his ranking with 8 wins (if you get over 50%, your rank is safe). In such cases, 80% of the time, the fighter with the 7-7 record, won!

However, the Sumo Association operates as an Old Boys club. There is very little new blood in the top levels, and people in the higher echelons dont "get" the modern era of communications. Sumo needs to change, but they refuse to do so, for "tradition."

This new scandal has offered the public proof conclusive of something that was long suspected, and denied. Over many years, there have been stories run alleging that various fighters have either taken money, or paid money to influence the victor of a fight. Including allegations that 2 Yokozuna paid bribes, Akebono, and Hakuho. Both they and the JSA denied the allegations, took the media to court, and won big damages against those writing the stories.

The JSA has announced on the back of this scandal that the March tournament in Osaka is to be cancelled to allow Police the time to complete their investigations, as well as the JSA doing their own. Though I doubt how effective that will be. They asked wrestlers to submit to questioning, as well as submitting their mobile phones to forensic study. 

However, some fighters have not handed over their phones giving a myriad of excuses. Ranging from the potentially plausible "I bought a new one." to the vaguely ludicrous "Dropped it in water" and "My wife broke it."

Will Sumo ever be the same again? No. Simple as. The JSA has said they will expel any and all who are proven to be linked to this scandal. We already have 3 implicated fighters, Chiyohakuho, Kasuganishiki, and Enatsukasa. None are Ozeki, or higher ranked, so that is a little bit of a saving grace.

However, it leaves Sumo and its lone Yokozuna Hakuho in a huge fight.Hakuho has done his best to prove the nobility of Sumo and is hugely popular. He is a hugely talented fighter, and fun to watch.

However, without his nemesis, Asashoryu, it makes his efforts less visible. In wrestling terms, Hakuho was the "face" with Asashoryu being the "heel." Both where fun! 

Without that competition, Sumo needs its top fighters to pull the sports out. It needs to wow the crowds. Hakuho will play his part, as with some of the other foreign Ozeki, but Sumo needs its Japanese fighters to step up.

Will Sumo survive? That is the big challenge. It will be difficult. This scandal has really rocked the sport, and threatens its future. NHK  is the only broadcaster, and ponies up about 2.5 billion yen a year. Accounting for 25% of JSA's total revenues in one fell swoop. NHK dropped one tournament during the Baseball betting scandal, and this new scandal puts NHK's continuation in the sport in doubt.

Also, the government is threatening to change Sumo's status as a charity. This would boost its tax rate from 20% to 40% overnight, stripping yet more funds from the sport. '

Also, with this scandal rumbling on, will those who where forced to pay after litigation, seek to get their money back? Along with the city of Osaka who want compensation for the loss of income after the JSA cancelled the spring tournament due to be held in March. The first time a tournament was cancelled since 1946!

What will happen? In truth, no one knows. One thing is clear, the JSA needs to bring new blood in. New blood that can understand the new world in which the sport finds itself. Sumo will never be the same again.

The Manchester derby

2  Manchester United v Manchester City1

Saturday February 13th

This saw the second Manchester derby, with Manchester City paying a visit to Old Trafford. At the first derby game, held at City's City of Manchester Stadium, the two sides battled to a 0-0 draw. This time, more was riding on the game. United heading the table, and looking to keep the pressure on Arsenal to keep up. City needed a result to close the gap on United to keep their faint hopes alive. A draw would at least prevent United from easing away. Made more important by the fact that United also hold a game in hand over City. 

The game started at a frantic pace (unlike the first derby game) with City going agonizingly close when Silva sent an angled shot flashing just wide. City then went on to dominate the early exchanges, however, United did begin to roll, and mid-way through the first half, had began to bring the game back to parity. In the latter half of the first half, United had taken control, and got the breakthrough that they so deserved. A long ball from Van Der Sar led to a move which carved open City, as Rooney laid the ball off to Giggs, and he laid a beautiful pass to Nani, leaving the City defense flat-footed. Nani then streaked away, and guided the ball past Hart.

In the second half, City immediately began to press looking for the equalizer, but it was not until Wright-Phillips and  Dzeko came off the bench and helped City to drag themselves back into it. However, whilst Dzeko scored the equalizer, it took a huge slice of luck for it to go in. He gathered the ball in the box, with a crowd of people in front of him. A speculative shot which would more than likely have been easily gathered by Van Der Sar, caromed off Silvas back, and flew into the top right corner, leaving Edwin hopelessly out of position, and totally floored.

However, United went on to show hwy they are at the top of the tree. Even with Dzeko causing Uniteds slapped-together defence, United launched an attack, with Nani flying down the wing, and lobbing a perfect cross in, which was met by Rooney who scored a definite contender for "goal of the season" with a wonderful overhead bicycle kick. A moment of the sublime from a player who had spent so long subdued, for the game, and the season.

United took the points and effectively ended City's title hopes. A hallmark of United this season. Playing the game and taking the points whilst looking like there was something else in the tank!

Japan Wins!

Well, felt like taking a break as I watched FIFA corruption at its best with the awarding of the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar. For FIFA members to use Englands media doing its job as a reason to punish England shows how petty they can be. I have no major objection to Russia getting the World Cup, just how it went about. England had by far the better bid, and if FIFA had stated it wanted to take the World Cup to new frontiers, then England would not have bothered spending huge amounts on their bid.

However, Qatar was the decision that was purely based on money. Qatar have stated that by giving them the World Cup, FIFA would break new ground and give the Cup to a region that truly loved football.

Problem is, do they?

I fancy not. Qatar recently hosted the 2011 Asian Cup. This is often seen as the poor cousin to the European Championships, and rightly so. Considering that the vast majority of the top 20 teams are European, the European Cup comes a very close second to the World Cup in terms of quality teams.

However, this was the biggest competition that Qatar has ever hosted, with the best of their continent playing in an event that people will not see again in their home country again in their lifetimes. And yet, only about 2000 people turned up to see Japan take on Saudi Arabia. Granted, it does not rank high on the list of "must-see's" but 2000?!

(Ok, this is Japan against Jordan. But the lack of fans was a persistent problem!)

Indeed the only game to sell out was the final. Games featuring the hometown team did not sell out. With 35000 turning out for Qatars opening game.  (The main stadium is 37000)

So, whilst the organisation was amazing, Blatters chair at the final truly opulent, the tournament was a crushing disappointment from a public perspective. It makes Qatars job that much harder. And the AFC's job even harder is they try to muscle in at the top table. A table largely dominated by UEFA, and joined by CONMEBOL. The AFC wants in on it, and believes it should given the rise of Asia. Given the mixed reviews of the Asian Championships, the AFC will have to wait much longer.

Anyway.

The tournament itself featured the best of Asia. Japan, Australia, South Korea, Iran, World Cup competitors North Korea, as well as other nations such as India and Kuwait.

My focus here will be on Japan.

So, here we go.

Japan went to the Asian Cup with a squad featuring a large number of young, new players. Many players from the squad that did so well at the World Cup did not make the trip, either after retiring, or through injury. With Japans influential centre-back pairing of the mercurial Tulio and "He of the flowing hair" Nakazawa both out to injury.

Also, to make matters worse, the Japanese had appointed a new coach, but he was unable to take his position until just before the second of 2 friendlies scheduled to precede the Asian Championship. The new coach was the Italian, Zacceroni. He lists AC Milan as one of his former clubs. He was unable to take the second friendly since he had only just arrived. Instead, he was up in the stands. His first game was the first game in the Asian Cup. Against Jordan.

Japan, ranked 17 took on Jordan, ranked 107, in the first game at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium. This game was Zacceroni's first game in charge with a scrabbled together squad. However, its core is still intact, allowing some continuity. However, the Japanese looked a little hesitant, and ended up limping out of  the game with Jordan battling them to a 1 - 1 draw.

The second game in the group stage saw Japan take on 110 ranked Syria. This time, a better performance saw the Japanese gain confidence and leave the game after a 2 - 1 victory. After some nice work, and a goalmouth scramble, Hasebe pounced on a loose ball to slam it home from the edge of the box. The Syrians equalized from the penalty spot after Japans keeper Kawashima saw red, only for Japans talismanic midfielder, Honda to do likewise to put Japan back on top. The penalty also saw Syria reduced to 10 men.

The third and final game saw Japan take on Saudi Arabia. The second-highest ranked team in the group (78) was taking on the highest. This was something of a revenge match for the Japanese with Saudi Arabia having done for the Japanese in past tournaments. However, in this game, it was to be Japans easiest game in the whole tournament.

In front of just 2000, and with Nishikawa in goal for the suspended Kawashima, the Japanese took the lead swiftly, within 8 minutes, when Okazaki lifted the ball over the keepers head. It proved to be a surprisingly easy goal, when the Saudi defense just gave up once the ball had broken their line. The lead was doubled just 4 minutes later when Kagawa lofted a perfect cross straight on to Okazaki's head as he ghosted in at the back post.

Maeda then proceeded to add 2 for himself either side of half time, and Okazaki got a deserved hat-trick 10 minutes before the end after digging the ball out from his feet, and smashing it home. The Japanese really where rampant, and looked like scoring a lot more! This victory saw Japan top the group, and having to face the hosts Qatar in the Quarter Final stage.

Finally, playing in front of something more akin to a crowd, the Japanese faced the hosts Qatar (105), for the right to go through to the semi-finals. However, Qatar was determined to go deeper, and where assisted along the way by some dodgy reffing decisions. Most of which went the way of Qatar.

Qatar took the lead after Koria ran from an offside position to take the ball and go 1 on 1 for Qatars first. However, Japan pegged them back when Okazaki lobbed the keeper, and Kagawa was on hand to nod the ball home. Qatar took the lead once more when Japan fell a man down with Moshida picking up a second yellow and Cesar was in the mox during the resulting free-kick to bundle the ball home.

However, being a man down seemed only to galvanize the Japanese who began to tighten their grip on the game, and began to pound the Qatari defence, which tried to stand firm. Very soon, the pressure paid off, with Japan bringing the game back to parity, and after that, there was only going to be one winner. In the 90th minute, Inoha managed to smash the ball home.

The semi final saw two major rivals come face to face. Japan where to take on South Korea for the rights to take on Australia in the final. These two teams have had some pretty major results between the two over the years.

The Koreans took the lead from the penalty spot when Konno leant into Park, bringing him down in the penalty area, and Yong stuck the ball home. Japan brought the game back to parity when, after a wonderful sequence, when Honda found Nagatomo who made one of his trademark runs from defence, and he sent the ball into the box, where Maeda nodded it home.

The game swayed back and forth, with both sides battling for the win in an entertaining game. It was probably fate that such a game would end in a draw, and 5 minutes into extra time, Japan took the lead with a controversial penalty when Jae-Won floored Okazaki. However, it appeared that initial contact was outside the box. Honda stepped up, only for his shot to be saved. However, Hosogai reacted the fasted and slammed home the rebound.

The Koreans refused to quit, and fought back hard to gain an equalizer, which came with extra-time dying. Jae-Won stepping up after an almighty ping-pong in the Japanese box, and smashing home to send the game to penalties.

Here, Kawashima proved to be the hero of the hour. Stopping the first of the Korean attempts, and the second being sent wide. Japan suffered no such nerves, with their first three takers all slotting home. This left Kawashima to take the accolades by saving the Koreans 3rd attempt, to send the Japanese fans into rapturous celebrations.

The Final itself saw the top two teams in Asia face off. Australia and Japan. The game itself was a more entertaining affair than the World Cup final, but noted for spurned chances. Australia where limited by a stubborn backs-to-the-wall defense by the Japanese. But on occasion, they did break through. Only for Kawashima to stand tall, and keep the door closed. Indeed, Cahill had the best chance in the game when he went in 1 on 1 in the second half after breaking through a resilient Japanese defence, only for Kawashima to get his legs in the way.

Not that it went all Australia's way. Okazaki, who so far had seen a lot of success with his head in front of goal, saw a diving header screw wide, and Honda sent a wonderful chance the same way too.

In the end, the Australians could not break through a tough Japanese line, and the Japanese wasted what few chances they had. The game ran into extra time. The first period saw the same play as the first, with both sides bringing on fresh legs to keep the game going. However, the break through came 5 minutes into the second half of extra time, when Nagatomo went on one of his now-famed runs down the wing. He lofted the ball into the penalty box, where the extra time substitute Tadanari Lee stood, surprisingly unmarked, to smash the ball home. 

The Japanese then set about keep the Australians at bay who grew even more desperate to grab an equalizer, only for time to beat them. In the end, the best team did not win, but that does not mean the Japanese did not deserve to win. through the tournament, the Japanese had played well, fought hard when needed to, put together some well connected play like they are famous for, and defended tenaciously when needed, displaying great amounts of teamwork and resilience. 

Japan gets to take home a trophy they have won 4 times out of the 7 competitions that the Japanese have entered. This allows the Japanese to qualify automatically for the next Asian Cup in Australia in 2015.

South Africa 2010

Well, it is all over! The World Cup has finished, and Spain has won. I will comment on the final game at the end of this, but I just want to run through and give a little review of each team in the World Cup. Did they do well, or did they suck? So, to start, lets begin with, not surprisingly, Group A...

(And apologies for taking so long, but had a lot on my plate recently, and this was a biggie!)

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Group A

 France

Lets face it, its not been going well for the French for a while. Their qualification campaign struggled, and then it took a moment of huge controversy for them to qualify through "The hand of Henry!" The friendlies before the World Cup did not exactly inspire confidence either, with the high (low) light being a loss to the Chinese in a friendly.

The World Cup got off to an insipid start following an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Uruguay. Next up, some decent effort, but no direction saw France crash to Mexico 2-0. And after a bust-up, Anelka was booted from the squad for saying something to the coach and the players had a mini-strike, the French needed results to go their way, as well as beating South Africa. However, South Africa, with a slim hope of qualification, set about the French. The French of course ended up with a mountain to climb after being reduced to 10 men.

All in all, a very disappointing campaign for the French full of in-fighting, and confusion. Still, they have a new coach. Things can only look up?

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 Mexico

Mexico came in to the World Cup on a high after defeating Italy in a friendly before the World Cup. Though in another friendly, they had been beaten quite convincingly by England.

The first game saw Mexico them take the lead against the host nation, only to get pegged back to 1-1. Up next was France. Mexico played with heart and passion and organisation, and beat them 2-0, a brave display whilst being a little reserved saw them lose to Uruguay 1-0, but go through on goals scored over South Africa. 

In the knock-out stage, Mexico was teamed with Argentina. Unfortunately for the Mexicans, they where just not good enough to beat an Argentina side playing with fluidity and poise. However, this game gave rise to one of the 2 biggest reffing blunders in the World Cup, with Argentina's Tevez scoring, whilst starting the run from a hugely offside position which the whole world saw, but not the linesman for some reason.

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South Africa

For the first time, a host did not make it out of the group stage. However, they did themselves proud, and came very, very close. First game saw them battle back from going a goal down to Mexico to grabbing an equalizer. The second game saw the South Africans put on a spirited display, but came unstuck against the Uruguayans. Who came out 3-0 on top.

The final game saw the South Africans come up against a French team that was slowly imploding. In order to qualify, they needed Mexico to lose to Uruguay, whilst beating France by 4 clear goals to overcome Mexico's better goal difference.

Unfortunately, they did beat France, but only by 2-1. Still, the fans kept the enthusiasm going, and vuvuzellas abounded!

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Uruguay

Uruguay managed to reach all the way to the semi-finals for the first time in decades. They started out slowly drawing with France, 0-0. However, Uruguay escaped the group without conceding a goal, by beating South Africa 3-0, and Mexico 1-0.

Next up for Uruguay where the South Koreans who battled hard but succumbed 2-1. Then Uruguay met the conquerors of the USA, Ghana. And another moment of huge controversy. The Uruguayans took on Ghana, but could not put them away. The game finished at 1-1, and into extra time. The Ghana team came within inches of winning, when, in the dying minutes of the game, Suarez diverted a sure fire goal with his hands. He was rightly red-carded, and Ghana, unfortunately, missed the resultant spot-kick. The game went to penalties, and Uruguay prevailed 4-2.

In the semi-finals, Uruguay came up against a much more organised opposition in the Dutch. Whilst Uruguay made a fight of it, led by their star, Forlan, the Dutch ultimately prevailed 3-2, in what many would call a nice bit of kharmic payback. Still, for Uruguay, they have plenty of excellent players who are becoming potential world stars. Things look bright!

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Group B

 Argentina

Argentina went into the World Cup on the back of a difficult qualifying campaign, which Maradona finally got back on track, finally qualifying very close to the end of the campaign. However, they did avoid falling into the play-off spot. 

However, from there, Maradona managed to inspire the team, and during the pre-World Cup campaign, they hit a run of form that saw them as legitimate contenders for the title.

They started the campaign with a tough 1-0 victory over Nigeria who matched the Argentinians closely. Next up, an unexpectedly easy victory over the second team in the group, Korea, with a 4-1 victory. Rounding off the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Greece. 

In the knock-out stages, the Argentinians had to overcome Mexico who played hard. However, the Argentinians where a little lucky, with the first goal being scored by Tevez despite being miles and miles off-side. 

Next up, Argentina came up against another team that had been on the lucky side of a ref's screw up, Germany. However, the Germans totally outclassed Argentina, and ran out 4-0 winners in the end. For the Argentinians, a disappointing campaign. A team of amazing players led by one of footballs icons. However, they where not all perfect, with Messi not managing to find the net, and not showing the form that had recently seen him tear through Europe.

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Greece

Greece qualified for the World Cup via the play-offs, after finishing second to Switzerland in their group. The play-off saw them take on Ukraine, and after drawing 0-0 in Greece, Greece managed to escape Kiev with a 1-0 win.

The World Cup saw Greece play with a typically solid defence, and finally managed to break one duck, by scoring, and winning against Nigeria. However, the campaign was not so sparkling for the Greeks, starting out with a 2-0 reverse to Korea, and finishing after losing to Argentina 2-0.

The joy surrounding Greek football after their victory in 2004 in the Euro's has now finally worn off.

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Nigeria

Nigeria started their campaign against Argentina. The defence was terrorised by Messi, but was ably assisted by the goalie, Enyeama. He was called upon time and again to save Nigeria time and again. In the end, they ended up losing just 1-0 to a goal by Heinze.

Next up saw Nigeria take on Greece, and it started well, with Nigeria taking the lead in the 16th minute. However, Kaita lashed out at one of the Greek players. And whilst it was not a hard kick, and the Greek fell to the floor like a felled tree, it was deliberate. It did not give the ref much choice. Greece duly went on to beat Nigeria 2-1.

The final game saw Nigeria take on Korea. A draw would see the Koreans through, a win would see Nigeria through. It started well with Nigeria bagging a goal in the first couple of minutes. However, thy could not hold the lead, and ended up crashing from the competition after Korea held them to a 2-2 draw.

Overall a deeply disappointing competition for Nigeria, and has since led to a deep amount of soul-searching, and led to the teams brief withdrawal from competition for 2 years. This is a story yet to run its course!

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Korea Republic

For the Koreans, the campaign started well with a good, solid victory over Greece, 2-0. This, however, was followed by a game against an Argentine side that was in full flow, and the Koreans got blown out 4-1. But hey, they did bag a goal!

The final game saw them up against Nigeria, and another solid display saw a draw ease them through to the next stage, a display that has marked Korea's development as a footballing nation.

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Group C

 Algeria

Algeria qualified under fiery circumstances, having ended their campaign in a dead heat with Egypt, with the final game drawing protests, allegations, violence, and stonings. They then had to go to a neutral venue and beat Egypt in a one-off game.

Once through into the World Cup, Algeria where drawn in a group with the US, England and Slovenia. Not many people gave them much hope in getting out of the group, with England and the US in there with them.

However ,the first game saw them put up a stubborn fight against Slovenia. Despite losing a man to being sent off, they still only just conceded a late goal to give Slovenia the odd goal win.

The next game saw them take on England. Whilst most pundits gave them no chance, the Algerians where determined to go for it and make England suffer. And they did. England where the better side, but where unable to get themselves over third gear. England where better. But Algeria simply refused to allow England to score. Lining everyone on the edge of the box. Algeria snuffed out England's threat, and left with a share of the points.

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England

England went into the World Cup in interesting form. Coming of the back of a very slick qualifying campaign which saw England play with flair and style, saw England play in a series of friendlies which left a lot to be desired. So, many people wondered which England would turn up. Unfortunately, the latter turned up. The first game saw England take on the US. A difficult opposition. England got off to a great start, with Gerrard bagging a goal in the 4th minute. However, England just could not step up and finish the game off. A famous Green fumble allowed the US to equalise. Whilst the US played well, England did step it up, but proved incapable of anything more than long range shots.

The second game saw a horrendous display against Algeria, resulting in a 0-0 draw, leaving England in danger of not making it. Rooney later complained about the fans booing them. To be fair Rooney, you where pants, and those fans had paid a lot of money to cheer you on!

The final game saw England play Slovenia. England needed a win. Which they duly got. 1-0. In a display in which they showed flashes of past performances.Unfortunately, the result left England to take on Germany. Many people hoped that they had shaken off whatever had ailed the team.

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Slovenia

Slovenia qualified for the World Cup after finishing second in its group, and then getting drawn with Russia in a qualifier to get to the big dance. A lot of people wondered if FIFA's sudden decision to seed these games where a way of ensuring the bigger teams of Portugal, France and Russia all had a chance to get to the World Cup without taking each other out.

And so, Russia where paired with the less fancied Slovenia who proceeded to tough it out with Russia, and kept the Russians at bay. Edging them out.

So, during their first game, they took on the Algerians, and despite being a man up, the Slovenians came out of their first World Cup game winning only 1-0.

The second game saw the Slovenians play much better, and lead the US 2-0. Unfortunately, the US battled back to draw 2-2. This result, tied with Algeria's surprise draw with England gave Slovenia top slot in the group. The US where second on goals scored, and England in third.

The final game saw them take on England. A draw would have given Slovenia a fighting chance to qualify, with England being on the same points. A loss was still not the end of the world. Finally, after much public criticism, England began a game in something like the form they had shown in the qualifiers. Slovenia fought hard, but ended up conceding. However, Slovenia fought on, and despite England being the better team, only allowed England the one.

There was hope for Slovenia. Algeria where in the process of holding the US to a draw. This would leave Slovenia a point ahead. Unfortunately, the US scored an injury-time winner, and leapfrogged to the top of the tree. Slovenia left the World Cup with their heads held high, and wondering "what if?"

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United States of America

The US went through a tough qualifying campaign. Not picking up results they should have, etc. However, after a tough campaign, they finally did. 

The build up to the World Cup saw plenty of people getting excited about the US being paired with England. A game that saw one of the US' biggest results, with a 1-0 win against England in 1950(!). So, it transpired that England would take on the US in their opening game of the World Cup.

The US fought hard, but conceded early. England where the better team, but unable to make their superiority count. At the end, the US escaped the game with a draw thanks to a shot that was not even speculative being spilt by Robert Green into his own net. A result that saw Greens World Cup end.

The US went into their second game with Slovenia and started poorly. The Slovenians took a 2-0 lead, however, in the second half, finally fought back to draw 2-2. A result that saw them jump England as England had failed to score against Algeria.

The final game saw the US take on Algeria. The Algerians, determined to spoil the party, battled hard and held the US 0-0. A result that was going to give the Slovenians the result they needed. However, deep in injury time Landon Donovan popped up to slide home the winner. A result that left the US top of the tree, and facing the team that dumped them out of the cup previously, Ghana.

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Group D

Australia

Australia qualified for the World Cup second from Asia, but top of the group (Japan qualified first as a result of the time difference between their game, and Australia's game). Australia where tied into a pretty tough group. They had to take on perennial contenders Germany, Ghana, one of the best teams in Africa, and Serbia. A tough proposition at the best of times!

The Australians started their campaign against Germany, eventually falling 4-0. And losing a player to a red card. The second game saw the Australians take on Ghana. And yet again lose a player to a red card! Though this time, they held on to eke out a 1-1 draw.

The final game saw them defeat Serbia 2-1 in a well fought game. This put them on the same points as Ghana, but Ghana qualified through goal difference. Australia's heavy defeat to the Germans came back to haunt them!

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Germany

Germany, as one of the perennial contenders, where odds-on to win the group. And they got off to a great start, seeing off Australia in a 4-0 win. However, in the next game, Germany came up against a very determined Serbian side that managed to bag a goal and then locked up the defence to come away with the win.

The final game saw Germany take on Ghana, and again, the Ghana team battled hard, limiting Germany to a 1-0 win. However, this was enough to allow Germany to win the group, and set up a best 16 game against England.

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Ghana

Ghana where touted as Africa's best chance to proceed far in the World Cup, with many commentators looking at them to reach the finals. And they began the competition with a 1-0 win against Serbia. In the next game, they where able to grab the point they needed with a draw with Australia, and then, by losing to Germany by less than the Australians did, they qualified for the next stage! 1 of the few African teams to do so!

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Serbia

Serbia went into its first World Cup (as Serbia) with high hopes. Unfortunately, they suffered a dip in form, a bit like England. The first game saw them lose to Ghana 2-1. However, they rediscovered their form with a well-fought victory over Germany, and then the drop in form came back to haunt them once again to see them crash from the World Cup at the bottom of the group after losing 2-1 to Australia

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Group E

Cameroon

Cameroon went into the World Cup with their star, Eto'o coming to the World Cup off the back of an excellent season with Barca. Unfortunately, Cameroon did not fair so well at the World Cup. The first game saw Cameroon go into the game with Japan under-prepared. They obviously took the Japanese for granted, and ended up conceding to a brilliantly took Honda goal. After that, the Japanese hung on, whilst the Cameroon team never looked like getting back into shape and getting back into the fight. 

The next game against Denmark saw them start much better, only to finally cave in and drop the game 2-1. The final game saw them take on a determined Dutch team, who, despite qualifying, wanted to win. This saw Cameroon leave the World Cup without a single point and 3 losses.

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Denmark

Denmark qualified in fine style, topping their group and seeing off the fancied Portugal. They where also fancied to escape this group with the Dutch. The first game saw them fall to the more fancied Dutch, but then they where able to draw level with Japan on points after the Japanese lost to the Dutch in the second game, and the Danes where able to pick up a win against the Cameroonians.

The final game saw Denmark say with great confidence that that they would overcome the Japanese and progress to the second round. The Japanese duly left the game 3-1 winners, thus knocking the Danes out. 

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Japan

Japan was officially the first team to qualify for the World Cup, and got drawn in a group from which they where not expected to qualify from. However, the Japanese worked hard and made sure they worked as a unit. This teamwork allowed them to tough out their first ever World Cup win outside of Japan with a 1-0 over Cameroon.

The second game saw them take on the Dutch. Whilst they lost 1-0, it was not without a fight. The Japanese came close several times to tying the game. A result many would say would be deserved. Going into the final game against Denmark, Japan was equal on points, but ahead on goals. A draw against the Danes would be enough to see them through.

In the end, the Japanese surprised the Danes with some hard work, some brilliant play, and 2 excellent free-kick goals. This saw the Japanese take the win 3-1, and take second place outright.

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Netherlands

The Dutch came in to the World Cup as the first European qualifying nation, and after a very successful campaign. They looked to continue the good run of form, and cruise through qualifying. The Dutch opened their campaign with a well-worked 2-0 win over the Danes. 

Next up, a hard fought 1-0 victory over the Japanese who held their own against the Dutch for long periods during the game.

The final game saw the Dutch take on Cameroon. This saw the Dutch finally concede in a 2-1 victory. However, the Dutch easily qualified for the next round. Well organised, well drilled, and dangerous. However,  this Dutch team where not playing the "Total Football" that previous Dutch teams where vaunted for. However, unlike some other past Dutch teams, they did not look like imploding!

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Group F

Italy

Italy. The 2006 World Champions. A team full of stars, who unfortunately, where all on the wrong side of time. A team that was not so young when it won the Cup in 2006. This was the same team, 4 years older. And it showed. This was not the Italy team of old, and did not manage a win in a group that many Italian teams of old would have easily qualified from.

The first game saw the Italians take on Paraguay. These where, pre-World Cup, touted as the two teams that where expected to qualify for the later stages. It did not start so well for the Italians, with Paraguay taking a 1-0 lead in the first half. The Italians did fight back, and escaped the game 1-1. Though it was expected to be their toughest.

The second game nearly ended in huge embarrassment with the un-fancied New Zealand team taking an early lead. The Italians did try to fight back, but where just unable to break through the tough New Zealand defence that was younger. As the game wore on, the Italians conditioning was cancelled out by the fact that the New Zealanders where younger! 

The Italians did escape with a draw thanks to a penalty. A penalty I was not too sure about myself.

The third game saw the Italians NEED to win to stand a chance of qualifying. They took on Slovakia, a team that would stand a chance if they took the win. Dependant on the result from the New Zealand Paraguay game. 

In the end, the Slovaks did for the Italians. The Italians never where ahead in the game. And whilst the Italians had their moments in the game, the Slovaks took it 3-2. A victory that allowed the Slovaks to claim second, and dumped the Italians out of the World Cup, at the bottom of their group.

 

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New Zealand

New Zealand qualified for the World Cup after topping the Oceania qualifying, and then made it to the World Cup after defeating Bahrain in a 2 leg qualifier. However, no one really gave the New Zealanders much of a chance in a group with Paraguay and Italy. As well as a well organised Slovakia. In the end, the All Whites claimed one of the more memorable moments from the World Cup, taking the lead against the Italians, and then holding them for a 1-1 draw.

The New Zealanders, in their first game, held the Slovaks to a 1-1 draw in a game that did not set the world on fire. However, the second game against the Italians has gone down in the annals of history.

The final game saw the New Zealanders equal with the Italians, and a point ahead of the Slovaks. A win against Paraguay would see the New Zealanders not only get to the World Cup, but make it out of the group stage! Unfortunately, whilst the New Zealanders held the Paraguayans to a 0-0 draw, the Slovaks escaped the group with a win over the Italians. 

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Paraguay

Paraguay went into the group stages as on of the favourites to escape with the Italians. However, the start was less than electric, after a dour 0-0 draw with the Italians. However, a hard fought but expected 2-0 victory over the Slovaks put the Paraguayans in the box seat to win the group.

The final game saw them take on New Zealand in the end, and only required a draw to confirm top spot. They worked well within themselves and patiently saw out the game with New Zealand to end the game 0-0, and set up a Round of 16 game with Japan.

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Slovakia

Slovakia qualified from its European group in top spot, but ended up being drawn with the current champions Italy, and the always dangerous Paraguay. So, not so many people gave them much hope to exit the group. A less than exciting 1-1 draw with the rank outsiders New Zealand did little to inspire confidence.

The next game saw the Slovaks prop up the group after the Paraguayans finished them off with ease in a 2-0 victory. Though, dont take anything away from the Slovaks, they did work very hard, and where well organised.

The final game, however, saw the Slovaks with a mountain to climb to qualify. And climb they did. Taking the lead against the Italians, and responding every time to the Italians, leaping into second place in the group after defeating the Italians 3-2.

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Group G

Brazil

Brazil qualified for the World Cup, but where not playing the beautiful football for which they are famous. However, it is Brazil. And rightly, one of the favourites for the title. They came to the World Cup with plenty of people picking them as their choice for the title. 

Their first game saw them take on the minnows of the World Cup, North Korea. And many people expected Brazil to win. They did win. But it was definitely NOT an easy ride! The North Koreans fought hard, and played smart. They went in at half time at 0-0. The Brazilians scraped a 2-1 win in the end.

The second game saw the Brazilians take on Cote d'Ivoire. This time, the Brazilians got their act together, and pulled out as 3-1 winners.

The final game saw the Brazilians need a draw against Portugal, who also needed a draw to qualify for the next round. Given the weather conditions, both teams played tight defence, and limited the other to long range pot-shots. This ended with a 0-0 draw. Both teams progressed, but after a very dour game.

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Cote d'Ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) came into the World Cup, with the recently installed Sven Goran Eriksson at the helm. His job was simple. Get the Elephants as far as possible. That was it. The Ivory Coast where one of the teams who many fancied as a dark horse. With Drogba leading the line, they looked capable of scoring goals! 

However, Drogba looked like he was out of the World Cup, after his arm was broken in a friendly game against the Japanese. Though the arm did heal enough to allow him to participate in the World Cup with a special cast on his arm.

The first game saw them take on Portugal, and end the game after a very dull 0-0 draw. The second game saw them stretch their legs against Brazil. Unfortunately, Brazil found their legs faster, and ended up taking the game 3-1.

The final game saw them taking on North Korea. If they managed to defeat The DPRK by a big enough margin, and Portugal lost to Brazil, then there was a chance that they would escape the group! Unfortunately, Portugal played out a draw with Brazil, and the Ivory Coast won by 3 goals to 0. Whilst they won, this was to be their last game at this World Cup.

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North Korea

North Korea managed to qualify for only the second time. The first time being the 1966 World Cup in England. However, no one really gave the North Koreans much hope of copying the '66 team by pulling a huge surprise. The '66 team managed to defeat the Italians. Unfortunately, this current team was expected to lose every game, and this World Cup would simply be damage limitation.

And so it came to pass. However, the North Koreans utilising several Japanese-born players of Korean descent, built a squad well-drilled in defence. One of the lowest scoring teams from Asia, they got through on the stubbornness of their defence.

And so it came to pass. They went into the first game against Brazil. Everyone expecting the Brazilians to run over them. This did not come to pass. The Brazilians could not get going, and the North Koreans battled fiercely. In the end, the Koreans did lose. But by the odd goal in 3.

The second game saw the Koreans continue to battle, but to come unstuck against a Portugal that finally clicked. The first half saw the Portuguese go in just 1-0 up. However, the second half saw the Portugal team cut loose, and North Korea came unstuck. Ending up on the wrong end of a 7-0 thrashing.

The final game saw the Koreans play for pride against the Ivory Coast. Unfortunately, the predictions came true, and they lost all three games. This time, limiting the Ivory Coast to a 3-1 victory. Whilst they ended up losing all three, they did manage to leave the World Cup with a couple of goals under their belts!

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Portugal

Portugal was a team vaunted or its players, but for some reason, they made truly hard work of getting to the World Cup. Suffering a big loss in form, finally clicking towards the end of the campaign to make sure of second from their group, and qualifying for the Cup via a playoff.

This malaise seemed to play on the team at the World Cup. Their first game against the Ivory Coast saw them play out a "safe" 0-0 draw.

The second game however, came to light in the second half, when after looking a little shaky, they went in against the North Koreans 1-0 up. The second half opened up including an audacious goal from Ronaldo, taking a dropping ball on his back, and tapping it home. The game ended 7-0 to Portugal.

The final game saw Portugal play a cagey game against Brazil. Both needed a point, and neither side went out of their way to win. Knowing a point will be enough. And that is what they got. Another 0-0 draw. This allowed Portugal to progress to the knock-out stage.

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Group H

Chile

Chile arrived at the World Cup after nearly tipping Argentina out of the World Cup at the qualifiers stage. Chile arrived with a reputation for solid defence. And so it held. The first game saw Chile dispatch of their North American rivals, Honduras, with a pretty dour 1-0 victory. Honduras tried hard, but could not break down Chile.

The second game saw Chile take on a Swiss team high from its recent victory over Spain. Unfortunately for Switzerland, they could not continue the good form, and went down to Chile, 1-0.

Chile went into the final game top of the group, with Spain and Switzerland within touching difference. And unfortunately for Chile, both could overhaul them, If Spain beat Chile, and Switzerland racked up a good score against Honduras. Unfortunately, Spain did defeat Chile, and the Spanish overhauled Chile on goal difference. Chile, however, fortunately made it through to the next round because Switzerland could only manage a draw with Honduras.

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Honduras

Honduras where easily the un-fancied team in the group, and so it came to pass. They did try hard, but unfortunately could not hold out against Chile in their first game leading to a 1-0 loss. Against Spain, they battled hard, but Spain eased past 2-0.

The final game saw them take on Switzerland. Switzerland needed to defeat Honduras by a comfortable score to get through to the next stage. However, Honduras proved a stubborn opponent, and refused to be broken down, ending Switzerland's dreams of progression by holding out for a 0-0 draw.

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Spain

Spain came into the World Cup as the favourites for the title. This team had managed to end Spains reputation as bottlers. Always a good team, but more than capable of collapsing right when they needed to actually do something. This Spanish side was the result of years of planning by the Spanish FA, and finally broke through at the European championships, picking up the 2008 title.

Spain made it to the World Cup as heavy favourites, and got turned over by a determined Switzerland side, 2-1. Spain went 2-1 down, and then proceeded to throw everything  at the Swiss, who refused to crack.

The Spanish however, atoned for this, by easing past Honduras 2-0, and went into the final game knowing that a good result will guarantee a place in the knock-out stage. The went on to put a nail in Chile's hopes by cruising 2-1 past the Chileans, and taking top spot in the group.

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Switzerland

The Swiss came into the World Cup off the back of a promising qualifying campaign, and found themselves facing the current European champions and heavy favourites, Spain, in the first game. However, in what many would say is the upset of the tournament, the Swiss got into their stride faster, and turned the Spanish over, 2-1.

The Swiss, however, needed to keep things going if they wanted to stand any chance, and went into the game against Chile cautiously confident. Unfortunately, it did not come to pass. The Swiss went down 1-0.

Going into the final game, the Swiss had a chance of making it out the group as long as they got a good result against Honduras. And whilst the Spanish where in the process of defeating Chile, the Swiss' campaign wimpered to an end on the back of a 0-0 draw.

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Round of 16

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Uruguay v South Korea

The Uruguayans went into the game looking to qualify for the Quarter finals for the first time since 1970, and made it hard for the Koreans from the start. The Koreans began the game very brightly, but could not break down a defence that had not conceded a goal through the group stages.

After just 8 minutes, the Uruguayans went ahead, forcing the Koreans to push more players forward in an attempt to get the equaliser. In the second half, they brought on more attacking players, and finally they broke through after 68 minutes to equalise. 

Just as it looked like the game was settling down to go into extra time, Uruguay bagged the winner on 80 minutes, to break the hearts of the Koreans, and moving Uruguay to the next stage for the first time in 40 years!

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USA v Ghana

This game was a repeat of a previous encounter at a previous World Cup, where Ghana eliminated the US at the same stage. This game was a chance for some revenge. However, unfortunately, the Ghanaians took advantage of a sloppy pass in midfield to take the lead in the 5th minute.

Through the first half, Ghana where definitely the stronger side, though after the break, the US battled back, hard. Creating many chances, only for Ghana's keeper to stand firm making a string of fine saves. However, Mensah clattered Dempsey in the penalty box, and Donovan calmly slotted home the penalty kick to draw the US level.

The US continued to push on and tried to crack Ghana's defence. However, Ghana held firm and took the game to extra time. The US seemed to begin to tire as the game drew on, and where stunned when Gyan managed to rifle the ball home. The US continued to try push hard to grab a second equaliser, but they where unable to manage it.

Ghana had eliminated the US for a second time.

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Netherlands v Slovakia

Slovakia, as World Cup debutants went into the game as major underdogs. However, they did not play as such, attempting to take the game to the Dutch. However, after winning all their group games, and after qualifying without a loss, the Dutch where in no mood to allow Slovakia a chance. Robben started it for the Dutch at the 18th minute.

The Dutch pushed on to grab a second and put the game beyond Slovakia. Unfortunately, this gave Slovakia chances to have attempts of their own. However, the Dutch where the better than the Slovaks, and their pressure paid off, with Sneijder calmly slotting home in the 81st minute.

The Slovaks did however, leave with their heads held high. Some good work led to the Slovaks being awarded a penalty, though the resultant goal came deep in injury time. Too late to allow the Slovaks to change the course of history.

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Brazil v Chile

This saw Brazil take on Chile at the World Cup for the third time, and unfortunately for Chile, was the third time that Brazil knocked them out. Overall, Brazil was just too strong. Chile did try, but just did not have the edge they required to break through Brazil.

Chile began the game having to make 4 changes to the line-up, brought about by injury, and suspensions. However, this did not stop them trying to get their first success over Brazil at the World Cup.

Brazil took a firm hold on the game with 2 quick strikes in the 35th, and 38th minute. The second half saw Chile with no choice but to push to get those two goals back. However, this left their defence stretched, and Brazil sealed the victory in the 59th minute, and dumped Chile out for the third time of asking.

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Argentina v Mexico

Argentina where the favourites in this game, though Mexico started the game brighter. However, the second massive officiating blunder of the day took the wind from Mexico, when Tevez scored for Argentina, despite being massively offside when the ball was played to him from Messi. This led to the Mexicans surrounding the linesman, and a melee ensuing as the two teams tried to leave the field at half time.

Despite the controversy, Argentina took the game from Mexico in the 33rd minute when a defensive laps allowed an easy finish. The game was finally killed off in the 52nd minute, when Tevez grabbed his second.

Mexico finished the game strongly, with Hernandez getting a measure of revenge, with a well-taken goal. Unfortunately, this was not enough, and Argentina had dumped Mexico from the World Cup once again.

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Germany v England

Due to Englands stuttering in the group stage, they ended up facing Germany for a place in the quarter finals. A game that brings two of the biggest names in Football together. These two do have history. England beat Germany for their only World Cup triumph, whilst Germany did for England at the semi final stages at the 1990 World Cup, and in 1996 in the European Championships in England.

England, looking to improve on recent performances, went into the game and hammered away at the Germans. The Germans, however, took the pressure, and absorbed it with little discomfort. Then, exploiting Englands frailty, the Germans struck in the 20th minute, with Klose taking advantage of some sloppy defending to poke Germany into the lead. The lead was doubled soon after.

England where largely limited to long range efforts, until the 37th minute when Upson rose highest to head home. Clawing 1 back. England equalised when Lampard saw his long range effort bounce down over the line. Only for the ref to inexplicably miss it and rule it out.

Through the second half, England pushed forwards, but left gaps in the back. Gaps in a frail defence which the Germans gleefully exploited. Ending Englands campaign, 4-1. Though this game did leave England wondering "what if?" If the ref had seen the goal, and momentum had swung Englands way by going in at 2-2. Ah well. 

On the back of this, FIFA has finally admitted that SOMETHING has to be done, and Blatter offered England a personal apology for the refs incompetence. Something the ref has not done. Despite being in a position to see the goal!

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Paraguay v Japan

With neither side having reached the Quarter finals before, no-one could be surprised that this game started cagily. Neither side was able to take control of the game and whilst both sides controlled the ball, and probed the other, their defences where steadfast.

Slowly Paraguay managed to gain some measure of control, but Japan remained composed, and organised, and kept their defence intact.

The game ground out to a 0-0 draw, and entered extra time. Extra time followed the same pattern. Finally, as the game moved into extra time, the two teams began to loosen up and probe and stretch the other. The chances came, only to be beaten away.

Paraguay went into the game favourites, but in the end, Japan took them to penalties. Paraguay finally won through. Paraguay bagged all 5 of their penalties, only for Komano to step up, and plug his shot to bounce off the bar, and balloon over the net.

The Japanese had battled valiantly, put in some amazing performances, and fell just short. But went home with their heads held high.

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Spain v Portugal

This game saw the two neighbours battle for the Quarter finals, and it proved to be quite the clash! Both sides tore into each other, with Portugal giving as good as they got from the Spanish, who where playing like their title as European Champions suggested that they could. 

The Spanish started the game slightly better, but Portugal grew in confidence, and as they withheld the Spanish, they also began to challenge the Spanish, and create their own chances.

However, as the game wore on, the Spanish began to shackle Portugal, and quieten Ronaldo, Portugals main threat. Finally, just after 60 minutes, Spain managed to get the breakthrough. It was only 1 goal, but in the end, it proved enough. That 1 goal knocked Portugal from the competition.

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Quarter Finals

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Uruguay v Ghana

As the only African representatives left in the World Cup, Ghana carried the hopes of an entire continent. And it did not begin well for them, as Uruguay settled into the game faster, and looked more dangerous. Initially, Ghana's keeper was the hero, as an unbroken line of defence.

However, Ghana began to settle as well, and began to carve out their own chances. Muntari finally broke the deadlock, putting Ghana ahead on the stroke of half time. 

However, as much as a high that the Ghanaians finished on, they started on a low. And Uruguay's Forlan equalised after 55 minutes. The game ground out, and headed into extra time, and Ghana came inches from grabbing a winner in the dying moments of extra time. Appiah powered his shot towards goal, and it had left the keeper stranded.

However, it did not cross the line as Adiyiah stretched out an arm, and handled the ball. The ref had no choice but to give him a straight red, and award Ghana a penalty. Which was subsequently ballooned over the bar.

Crushed, Ghana ended up losing out to Uruguay on the following penalties 4-2. Whilst Uruguay celebrated, Ghana left with a sour taste, and yet another major controversy for FIFA to think about (not that they will DO anything...)

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Netherlands v Brazil

The Brazilians started the much brighter of the two, and pegged the Dutch back. They where beginning to play some good football, and looked likely to score. Which they achieved very quickly. With Robinho bagging a goal after just 10 minutes.

However, the second half saw the Dutch push back, and Sneijder proved to be a major thorn for the Brazilians. So much so, he drove home an equaliser on 53 minutes. The Dutch continued to push the Brazilians, and took the lead on 68 minutes when Sneijder popped up once more to take the lead.

Brazils woes continued when Felipe Melo was red carded for stamping. This really did mark Brazils fading from the World Cup, and for the second World Cup, Brazil exited at the Quarter Final stage.

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Argentina v Germany

Argentina came into this game looking to avenge their defeat to Germany at the same stage at the 2006 World Cup, unfortunately, they came up against a young Germany playing with buckets of confidence. And Germany did not disappoint, taking the lead after just 3 minutes!

Germany then proceeded to play a very fluid counter attack. Limiting Argentina to long range efforts, and looking dangerous on the break. Their speed proved dangerous to Argentina time and again, with Germany spurning the best chances in the rest of the first half.

In the second half, Germany bagged the all-important second, with Klose tapping home from a Podolski cross into the box.

This left Argentina with little choice, with under 30 minutes to go, they had to throw people forwards. This left their defence exposed, and it was a situation the Germans exploited. Breaking at speed, and in less than 10 minutes after their second, had doubled their tally to 4.

This left Argentina to go home wondering where it all went wrong, and Maradona pondering his future.

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Paraguay v Spain

This game saw both sides looking to head into the Semi's, something neither had done for a very long time. This game was also notable because both sides missed spot kicks!

Paraguay went into the game after seeing off Japan from from the spot, and again, employed a tight defensive game to keep Spain at bay. Disrupting Spains flowing style, and looking to strike on the break. Both teams seemed finally balanced, with the game potentially going either way.

However, Spain booked their Semi Final slot for the first time in over 50 years, with Villa claiming his fifth of the tournament deep into the game. Spain winning 1-0 past 80 minutes!

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Semi Finals

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Uruguay v Netherlands

Uruguay went into the game determined to stifle the Dutch in front of their own goal, but it was a tactic that did not hold for too long, with Van Bronkhorst slamming the ball home with a powerful 35 yard shot into the top corner.

However, the Dutch seemed unwilling to commit players forward to seek the cushion of extra goals. Also, the Uruguayan defence remained stubbornly solid. However, Uruguay did not fare well in attack, without a real chance until the 36th minute.

However, just after the 40 minute mark, the Dutch keeper should have done better with a Forlan long range swerving shot that he got a hand to, but allowed past him.

The second half did not fare much better, either. Both sides still not playing with an real fluidity. However, the Dutch showed that they did not have to play well to win, with 2 quick goals just after the 70th minute. The Dutch second being bagged by Sneijder, and Robben getting the Dutch third just 3 minutes later.

The game did not peter out, as much as the Dutch may have liked. Uruguay looked tired towards the end of the match. However, Pereira ran onto a quick free kick, and curled a low shot in on the stroke of the end of regular time, setting up a frantic extra time period with Uruguay struggling to get the equaliser, and the Dutch hanging on like grim death.

However, the Dutch hung on, and bagged their third Semi final place.

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Germany v Spain

This game was to be contested by two very, very good sides. Both deploying different styles of play. The Germans seemed content with playing from the back with a deep defensive line, which kept the Spanish at bay. Whilst the Spanish kept control in the middle of the park, which allowed them to probe a solid German line, whilst preventing the Germans from exploiting their explosive breakouts they had so usefully used against England and Argentina in previous rounds.

The second half followed a similar pattern, except that the Germans kept dropping deeper. A dangerous path to take, as they dropped back, the Spanish edged forwards to fill the space with their midfield. The Spanish where now close enough to really begin to threaten, and could have taken the lead several times before the only goal of the game came when Puyol struck on the 73rd minute. Spain where then able to comfortably close out the game, sealing their first visit to the final, and setting up an all Europe final, marking the first time a European nation would win the cup outside their own continent.

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Third Place Playoff

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Uruguay v Germany

The third place game proved to be a much more lively affair than the semi final games, which had been quite cagey. The Germans started the game far better enjoying large periods of dominance from the start of the game. 

This dominance allowed the Germans to take the lead through Mueller in the 18th minute. The Germans then settled into a tidy rhythm of holding the ball at the back, and striking forwards at speed. However, Uruguay proved dangerous, with Forlan stripping the German defence of the the ball, and sliding the ball to Suarez, only for him to pull the ball wide.

The Uruguayan strikeforce of Forlan, Suarez, and Cavani caused the Germans plenty of problems, and brought them level on the 28th minute when Cavani slotted home. Forlan bagged Uruguay's second just after the start of the second half, and deserved the lead. 

Whilst Uruguay deserved the lead, the Germans where not playing with that much fluidity. However, momentum changed when the Uruguayan keeper spilled the ball and Jansen poked it home. This seemed to spur Germany into life, and they began to make more chances, and finally Khedira slotted home to put the Germans back in front. A lead they held onto despite Uruguay throwing the kitchen sink along with everything else at the German line.

German celebrations at the end of the game showed how much this result meant for the Germans, matching their result in the 2006 tournament.

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The Final

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The Netherlands v Spain

Well, here it is! The Final of the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa. And following a spectacular opening ceremony for the game, the first 45 minutes proved to be brutal. The Spanish continued to try to play their style, whilst the Dutch wanted to disrupt the flow of the Spanish through very physical play. The game was not helped by English referee Webb handing out a rash of yellow cards. However, given how the Dutch where playing, he really did not have much choice. Van Bommel gave him no choice after ploughing through Iniesta, and de Jong was lucky to only be awarded a yellow after a near Cantona style boot to the chest of Alonso.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Webb being forced to keep on handing out yellow cards like candy for little kids, and the game threatened to boil over as the tension and emotion in the game. Robben proved to be the Netherlands most dangerous asset, however, the Spanish refused to allow the Dutch challenges to push them, and slowly began to achieve some measure of dominance in the game, and began to create opportunities for themselves.

However, the chances did not end in goals, and the game moved on into extra time. 

2 moments came in extra time. The first, after hauling Iniesta back, Heitinger was rightly cautioned, and then sent off for a second yellow card. This gave Spain that little extra space they needed to finally make a last big push, and a moment of beauty from Iniesta resulted in Spain finally achieving something they had promised for so long.

A World Cup.

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My verdict

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Well, this has certainly been one of the most memorable World Cups for a very, very long time! Another first for FIFA, following from when they took the World Cup to Asia, with Japan and Korea hosting. Whilst that World Cup was marked by fighting in the early stages, then almost flawless delivery in the end, this World Cup was a nail-biter from beginning to end. 

The construction of the venues, whilst delivered on time, did see plenty of heart-stopping moments. Including a lengthy strike by workers building the venues.

The country itself struggled to get ready, with hotel construction, and the building of infrastructure to help move people round.

The World Cup itself proved to be memorable. Crime was not a major issue as many feared. The venues enjoyed good sized crowds. The atmosphere across the whole country proved to be one big festive party with the locals proving to be loud and proud all the time.

However, the Cup did not pass off without a hitch. In the build up to the Semi Final between Germany and Spain, many fans where left stranded as they could not reach Durban airport, which became clogged with private jets ferrying the likes of the Spanish king, Paris Hilton, and Leonardo DiCaprio to the game. Who of course, deserved priority over the thousands of Germans and Spanish who where desperate to see their respective countries. 

Also, the World Cup saw the introduction of the Vuvuzela. A South African horn which when blown, resembles a swarm of bees. And when blown by a crowd, is truly annoying! OK, I admit that it has its part to play in South African football culture, but I am happy that various footballing authorities have declared that the Vuvuzela is not welcome in THEIR competitions! 

Overall, this has really been a new chapter for the World Cup. Japan and Korea delivered an amazing World Cup, Germany delivered a very sound, and passionate Cup, whilst South Africa added buckets of passion and energy!